USS PYRO Scuttlebutt

Winter 2010-11
Published by
The USS PYRO
Association
USS PYRO Scuttlebutt
Contacts
Editorial:
Jared Cameron
3808 Brighton Ct.
Alexandria, VA 22395
scuttlebutt@ae-24.org
Membership/Circulation
Doug Wisher
1022 Winding Way
Put yourself in this picture!
Covington, KY 41011
wisherdj@fuse.net
Money Matters
Bill Hogan
PO Box 40
Farmville, VA 23901
bhogan@kinex.net
Web site
www.usspyro.com
Reunion 2011
May 18-22, 2011
Washington, D.C.
Holiday Inn Rosslyn
More info and
registration form
on page eight and nine
Remembering Departed
Shipmates
William C. Burgert
1919-2011
N
early 50 Pyro sailors, spouses and significant others are signed up for
Reunion 2011, A Capital Bash, May 18-22 in Washington, D.C., at the
Holiday Inn Rosslyn.
But there is still time — and room — for a few more!
This reunion will include some special features:
unbelievably-inexpensive-for-pricey-Washington,
D.C. hotel rates under $100 a night (including taxes)
at the conveniently located Holiday Inn Rosslyn,
balconies for smokers in all rooms, a USS Pyro
wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the
Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, a visit to
the Naval Museum and the services of a
professional photographer for individual/group
photos to supplement the always excellent work of
our volunteer photographer’s mates — and much
more.
Add to that free adult beverages and snacks in the
hospitality room as well as commitments from East
Coast Pyro people we haven’t seem for years — or
ever! — and you have the formula for a reunion to remember.
So what are you waiting for? Make your plans now to be part of A Capital
Bash, May 18-22, 2011.
Apply now for Pyro Scholarships
Do you have a child, grandchild or great grandchild heading
off to college in 2011? Have you been an association
member for more than one year?
If so, the USS Pyro Association may be able to help with a
$1,000 scholarship.
Tom Palmer 1942-2010
After only a dayor two of fundraising, funds are in hand for
two Pyro Scholarships to be awarded during 2011 in honor
of the late Tom Palmer. (see page seven)
Based on a program developed by John Wichtrich and Larry Sheipline (above)
scholarships are funded from the association treasury and special contributions
by association members. Applications are now open. An application for and
(Continued on page 7)
Page 2
USS PYRO Scuttlebutt
Membership Matters
2011 dues due and past due
OK, it happens every year : Association dues for the new year are due New Year’s Day. But — in order to
keep dues affordable — the association relies on reminders here in the Scuttlebutt. That makes sense:
Mailing out reminders costs big buck these days.
It’s a good enough system, but it’s only natural that some members overlook this small, but important
contribution that helps keep our association reunions, newsletter and other activities funded for the new year.
Then at about this time each year when reunion outlays and Scuttlebutt printing bills come in, it’s time for
March Dues Madness, a full court press for dues.
If you are an annual member, please pay your 2011 dues now — and consider becoming a lifetime member
to eliminate the need for a yearly payment. If it’s been a couple years since your last payment, no worry:
Just send along a check for 2011 and you’re back in good standing.
Need more incentive? Well, if you don’t pay up, we just might send some grizzled CPO like Bob Hauge to
your door to tell you some sea stories, lay guilt, and collect! Want an example of the grief you might get?
Read on!
Pyro Association scuttled?
During WW II in the South Pacific, no one in US Navy Fleet wanted the USS Pyro AE-1
anchored nearby. I’m certain that the AE-24 suffered the same consequences. Countless
times during the war, we would arrive at an island anchorage and drop the hook. As soon as
the various combat ships arrived, the signal lights would commence blinking and — lo and
behold! — we would be ordered to shift anchorage and move away from the fleet.
This brings us to present times where it seems like our membership is pulling that old fleet
maneuver of isolation from the USS Pyro Association by not maintaining their current
membership dues.
It's understandable that various individual circumstances might prevent some members from maintaining this
financial obligation; however, this doesn't apply to everyone. After all, ya’ll receive The Scuttlebutt and I’m
certain you enjoy this very excellent newsletter.
Don’t just take my word: Check out the roster and scan delinquent membership status.
Have these folks simply forgotten or are they willing to SCUTTLE this excellent organization?
If you want to maintain your membership without the bother of annual dues, check out Lifetime Membership
details located on the last page of each Scuttlebutt.
Don't Give Up the Ship — or the USS Pyro Association!
So please ‘Pay Up,’ don’t ship out and always remember We Served in the US Navy!
—-Bob Hauge
Do we have your address?
Still looking for 2012 reunion ideas
For many members and friends, email is the main
way we stay in touch.
With the goal of giving members more input into
possible reunion sites, we are again asking for your
advice/suggestions for 2012. Reunions are to be
held throughout the country and the next reunion, all
other things being equal, should be in the Central
time zone. You can do the preliminary research and
provide a plan or simply pass on your ideas to
president@ae-24.org.
Association Secretary Doug Wisher reports that
Scuttlebutt copies sent by both e-mail and snail mail
are being ’returned to sender, address unknown.’
We’ve even lost some members completely after
moves. If your information has changed, please let
your shipmates know by writing Doug Wisher!
Winter 2010-11
“W
e can’t all
create
profiles
in
courage like Fred and
Sharon, but how hard is
calling the Holiday Inn to
hold a room and signing
up for reunion activities?
C'mon, let’s get it done!”
USS PYRO ASSOCIATION
Officers
President
Jared Cameron
Vice President
Billy L. Eckstine
Secretary
Douglas Wisher
Treasurer
Bill Hogan
Appointed Officers
Scuttlebutt Editor
Jared Cameron
Chaplain
Vance Worrell
MAA
Jasper Strunk
Historian
Tom Moulton
Nominating
Committee
Gary Golay
Jasper Strunk
Page 3
From the president’s desk
By Jared Cameron
While the USS Pyro 2011 Capital Bash Reunion is signing up participants at a
healthy pace, I can’t help contrast Fred Hamlin with folks who really mean to make
reservations, but just can’t find the time to do so.
Fred — with help from wife Sharon — is fighting a double dose of cancer. Fred’s
spirit is strong. Despite the ravages of procedures and invasive treatments, the
Hamlins are doing everything they can make the trip to see friends and shipmates
in Washington during May.
We can’t all create profiles in courage like Fred and Sharon, but how hard is calling
the Holiday Inn to hold a room and signing up for reunion activities? C'mon, let’s
get it done!
***
Officer call! As of this writing, the association president (me), first vice president
Eckstine and Secretary Wisher have expressed a willingness to serve for another
term unless a new generation of members desires to assume the association
conn. The sad death of Tom Palmer means that the association also needs the
services of a second vice president. Please contact nomination committee
members Jasper Strunk or Gary Golay if you are interested in any of the above
offices or know someone who is.
Pyro People
Hamlins still hoping to make reunion:
Sharon Hamlin reports: Fred has beat
the throat cancer on his epiglottis, but
the thyroid is still up in air. They plan on
taking the lobe of the thyroid out April
12, then wait to get the results two
weeks later. If it doesn't appear to be
bad the surgeon will remove a lobe, wait
on the test then, if needed, go back in
and remove everything necessary. If the
thyroid looks bad, he may remove all of
the thyroid that day and not wait to go
back in. If the second surgery doesn't
have to be done we might — that’s
might — be able to come to DC. It all
depends on Fred, at this time if we had
to make a choice to go or not, the ‘not’
would win out. He just doesn't have any
strength to endure long walks or
anything else. Watching a movie at the
show wears him down but that is what
he does for entertainment to get out of
the house. Some days he feels like
driving, others he doesn't…
Raymond
Gillman
celebrated her 80th
birthday in February.
She sent along this
‘eat—your—heart—
out’ photo of some
much younger woman
and tried to trick your editors into
believing it depicts an octogenarian.
Hauge takes a dive: You pick which
story looks like the best — a) Bob
Hauge claims he fell off a curb when he
caught sight of his daughter and
granddaughter meeting him at the
airport on the way to his family
Christmas celebration. (See photo on
left page.); OR b) Bob has been hanging
out at biker bars again and cruising
Harley riders’ ‘Mamas,’ promising to take
them to the next Pyro reunion.
Regardless of which tale you choose to
believe, Bob reports the black eye is
gone, the bruises healed and his left
arm is restored enough to play 18 holes
Happy Birthday to Betty Gillman: twice a week in now-tropical San
Betty Gillman, wife of the late Chief Marcos, TX.
Page 4
USS PYRO Scuttlebutt
Bill Burgert: The beat goes on and his music lives in our hearts!
Bill Burgert passed away February 28, but the beat
goes on and we can still hear Bill playing nightly up
yonder.
Many of us still remember Bill playing until the wee
hours at the Dubuque and Philadelphia reunions.
Once he started playing, Saxie Bill would really get
wound up and could not cease his energetic playing.
Where he got all that energy...well
the age of miracles is not passed!
Bill and I were shipmates during
WWII on the AE-1. Bill organized
the Pyro Band that entertained us
and on special occasions as well as
on other ships and shore bases in
the southwest Pacific. Their colorful custom-made
uniforms were indeed a show stopper! I can still
remember Bill playing his sax in the Gyro space
beneath the ship’s bridge to liven up the lonely,
weary hours we endured on a ammunition ship. I
shall never forget the wailing tone of his lonely sax
on dark wartime Pacific nights .
Music remained a big part of Bill’s life after the
service. Bill participated throughout the years in
countless Mummer Parades in Philadelphia and he
‘came out of retirement’ to liven our 2008 reunion
with his sax in a walker as
his lovely wife, Jane, cut a
rug.
The crews of the AE-1
and AE-24 join in bidding
farewell to a shipmate
who made life more
pleasant through his love
for music playing on his
ever present sax.
So as we say farewell,
play it one more time, Bill.
May the ocean tides and
waves
comfort
you
forevermore!
—Bob Hauge
The AE-1 Pyro-Maniacs featuring Clay LaBarr on the
drums, Gene Kobar on the trumpet, Bill Neer on
base and Bill Burgert on the saxophone.
Page 5
Winter 2010-11
Tom Palmer: shipmate, educator and friend
“May his death serve as a reminder to the rest of us of what a true
friend is. “
Tom Palmer passed away December 10, 2010 at
Mt. Diablo Hospital in Concord, CA with his beloved
family at his side.
Tom had been fighting several maladies since September, in and out of the hospital and rehab place,
losing a little ground at every stage, but always
maintaining the upbeat, optimistic attitude that
marked his life.
Tom served in the Navy as an enlisted radarman.
After college he was commissioned and served as
navigator aboard AE-24 from 1965-68, earning the
nickname ‘Magellan.’ He later retired from the Naval
Reserve as a commander. He was second vice
president of the Pyro Association until his death.
He was the
father of four
sons,
Kent,
Joe, Nick and
Alex, a doting
grandfather
and served in
loco parentis
to
generations of California kids as
a teacher, activities director and guidance counselor,
most recently at Ygnacio Valley High School in Concord, CA, from 1980 until his retirement. Even after
retirement, Tom remained active in the California
Activities Directors Association and took great joy in
attending their annual conventions.
“The world has lost a wonderful person,” wrote John
Wichtrich, who served
with Magellan on AE24. “a charming, selfless, funny, smart and
interested in helping
others. May his death
serve as a reminder to
the rest of us of what a
true friend is.“
Magellan relieved Tom
Moulton as AE-24 navigator in the Fall of 1965. He
later traveled to Souther California to be part of the
Moulton’s wedding party, hoisting one of the swords
in the traditional arch of swords for the newlyweds .
“I will mourn Tom's passing, but more prominently, I
will hold him forever in my memory whenever I think
of my friends, both past and present.” Moulton wrote.
In this busy world, friends and shipmates tend to
come and go, but if you were Tom Palmer’s friend,
you stayed his friend.
His Facebook page is crammed with correspondence from former students who stayed in touch with
Tom for career and life guidance long after the end
of their academic careers.
In memory of Tom’s life and his devotion to youth,
the Association will award the first USS Pyro Scholarships in his honor at the 2011 reunion.
Honor Bill, Tom and all our departed Pyro shipmates May 20, 2011
Tomb of the Unknowns
Arlington National Cemetery
Page 6
USS PYRO Scuttlebutt
Charlie Batten’s Pyro memories (AE-24)
Editor’s note: Then-LCDR Charles G.
Batten became executive officer of AE24 in 1962. Aboard the Pyro and
throughout his naval career, Charlie —
as he now decrees we call him — was
truly a ‘sailor’s sailor,’ who built an
efficient ship through mutual respect
while acting, as detailed below, as a
buffer — arguably at the expense of his own psyche
and, likely, career — between those from the
‘frequent flogging’ school of leadership and the
officers and enlisted men under him. This is the
final installment of his recollections.
From Subic we went to Hong Kong for about a week
of R&R. Nothing significant occurred there - just
the usual shopping, touring, and dining. I recall that
one day two or three of the officers and I went to
Tiger Balm Gardens. During our walk up to the
gardens, we were approached by a couple of
children “hawking” envelopes of photos of the
gardens for “x” dollars.
None of us were
interested but the kids were pretty persistent. I
thought I could get rid of them by offering to buy a
packet of photos for far less than their asking price
so I mentioned how much I’d offer. I thought they
would say “No way” and leave but the little girl said
“Okay” and handed me the packet I really didn’t
want. Of course my shipmates jumped on the
opportunity to bust me and I wound up buying the
unwanted photos.
We returned to Subic for a few more weeks and a
few more Fleet replenishments. We were at Subic
for both the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, but
like Thanksgiving, I don’t recall any particular
festivities. I’m pretty sure, though, that either Bob
Hope or Cardinal Spellman or both visited with the
troops aboard a carrier tied up at the Naval Air
Station pier across the bay.
After leaving Subic on 31 January, 1963 we
returned to Sasebo and prepared for our trip back to
the States with a stop at Guam for some minor
repairs and upkeep.
The ship basin of the Naval Base at Guam is
accessed by passing through Apra Harbor. You
must first enter the harbor then take a right into the
basin. Apra Harbor is protected by a breakwater
with a wide entrance which is known to have cross
currents that can be tricky. Usually the Navy will
furnish a pilot and tug to take a ship through the
breakwater and into the basin. However, this time
around, the Pilot was delayed in getting to PYRO
and it wasn’t too smart to slow down to the point
where the effects of the current would be more
pronounced. The approach procedure is to line up
on a range positioned at the far end of the harbor
which marked the middle of the channel. “Lining up”
is done while well at sea so as to get settled on the
range with a good head of speed while passing
through the currents and the breakwater entrance.
I could see the range clearly, Captain Healy could
not but he did not waiver one bit. Some CO’s might
have circled around outside the currents to await the
Pilot but Captain Healy chose to go on and relied on
my being able to follow the range. We continued our
approach adjusting our course as I called out where
we were on the range - either to left or to the right of
it - until we cleared the breakwater and were out of
the cross currents. The Pilot came aboard as we
neared the entrance to the Naval Station basin.
When I assumed duties as XO, I initiated weekly
(Thursday morning) Planning Board meetings with
Department Heads. The purpose of this meeting
was to discuss shipboard routines and plan training
exercises. Following Captain Healy’s suggestion, I
introduced the problem-solving outline at one of
these weekly meetings and then we developed a
plan to implement it. No major adjustments to
existing routines were required. The plan was to
have Division Officers become more involved in
informal discussions with their men by meeting with
them for a “bull session” immediately following
Wednesday’s morning quarters.
The Division
Officers were instructed to ask their crew members
to freely discuss their gripes and if possible
recommend their solution to the problems.
The
Thursday weekly Planning Board meeting was then
expanded to include Division Officers who presented
the comments they obtained from crew members.
These comments were written on a chalkboard and
where any comment was repeated by another group
a check mark was placed behind that. At the
conclusion of listing the comments we separated out
those that had validity and among those, the ones
that were repeated the most often. From this we
established a priority list, selected the top one or two
(per week) and then developed possible solutions
which hopefully would eliminate the gripes. This new
initiative took a while for results to become
noticeable but when they did, they were on the
positive side. There was no doubt in my mind that
we were on the right track and coming together as a
(Continued on page 7)
Page 7
Winter 2010-11
More AE-24 memories
(Continued from page 6)
Pyro scholarships
(Continued from page 1)
ship’s crew.
I enjoyed working
for
and
with
Captain Healy. I
found him to be a
person of strong
moral
character.
He
was
a
professional all the
way.
He knew
what he wanted, but instead of demanding, he
always encouraged. I never heard him degrade
anyone or anything. He was a “positive” thinker
who was very interested in his ship and the welfare
of his crew. To this day I still hold a lot of respect
for him.
EPILOGUE
I was detached from USS PYRO 10 July 1964 to an
assignment on the Staff of Commander in Chief, US
Naval Forces, Europe, London, England. A short
while after my reporting aboard, an official letter
from Captain James O’Brien via the chain of
command along with a congratulatory note was
presented to me by our Admiral. The letter informed
me that PYRO had been awarded the “E”. Included
with the letter was a photo of Captain O’Brien
“painting” the “E” on the starboard side bridge wing.
Whenever I think back to my days aboard PYRO, I
always come up with the same sequence: A ship
that was on the bottom of the competitive list with an
essentially disgruntled crew and some rough days
ahead of me to a ship that moved to the top of the
competitive list with a damned good crew and some
of the most enjoyable days of sea duty that I ever
enjoyed.
Things don’t “just” happen; they are “caused” to
happen. Every single officer and enlisted man
aboard PYRO in those days comprised the “cause”.
The crew members of those days have every
reason to be exceptionally proud of themselves,
their ship, and their shipmates.
I feel extremely fortunate to have been part of that
team and to have served with and for two
outstanding Commanding Officers, Captain Vincent
P. Healy and Captain James M. O’Brien.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE SEA STORIES: In the
next Scuttlebutt, we’ll return to Bill Peregrin’s journal.
the full program details are attached to the
electronic Scuttlebutt and are available online at
www.ae-24.org/scholarship.pdf.
Applications from the student are submitted to the
Scholarship Committee chaired by John Wichtrich
for review
(two additional members of the
committee will be named soon).
Winners will be selected from qualified applicants by
drawing at the 2011 reunion Awards Banquet.
Eligibility: Applicants must be accepted or enrolled
as full-time undergraduate students at an accredited
college or university. Furthermore, their father,
mother,
grandfather,
grandmother,
great
grandfather, or great grandmother must been a
member of the USS PYRO Association for at least
one year prior to the award of the scholarship. The
Educational Scholarship Committee may make an
exception to the one-year requirement upon written
appeal by the applicant. Previous recipients of USS
PYRO Association Educational Scholarship are not
eligible.
In order to match the Association treasury’s
contributions, donations large and small are solicited
from members by Chairman Wichtrich and his
Scholarship Committee members. Due to the
draconian nature of IRS regulations governing nonprofits, the contributions may not be tax deductible.
Contributions should be made payable to the USS
Pyro Association with a memo indicating they are for
scholarships and sent to Treasurer Bill Hogan.
More information at: www.ae-24.org/scholarships.htm
College help for Pyro offspring
USS Pyro Scholarships
Tell your shipmates and apply now!
Page 8
USS PYRO Scuttlebutt
A Capital Bash Washington, DC:
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Arrive at Holiday Inn Rosslyn. Hospitality room opens for check-in at 3 PM.
18:00 —19:00 Welcome reception in hospitality room
Thursday, May 19, 2011
10:00 — 13:00 Washington City tour
Evening: Optional Potomac dinner cruise
Friday, May 20, 2011
Morning free
13:00 Military Day tour of Washington and Northern Virginia memorials
15:15 Wreath-laying ceremony at Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery
Saturday, May 21, 2010
10:00 Membership meeting
18:00 Cocktails, individual and group photos
19:00 Awards Banquet
20:00 Dancing and other misbehavior
Nuts and bolts
Airports
Three airports serve the Washington, D.C. area.
 The closest to the hotel and downtown is Ronald Reagan National Airport
DCA), located about three miles from the Holiday Inn. If you don’t have a
lot of baggage, DCA is accessible by Washington’s Metro.
 Dulles International Airport (IAD) is in Virginia about 25 miles from the
hotel.
 Thurgood Marshall Baltimore Washington International (BWI) is 40 miles
from the hotel.
While National is by far the most convenient airport, if you’re flying crosscountry, Dulles and BWI may have lower fares. Check it out, but remember
that saving $20 on a ticket and spending $50 for a taxi isn’t a great deal.
This ain’t Kansas, Toto: Unfortunately, the hotel does NOT offer airport
shuttle service.
Extending your stay
If you wish to extend your Holiday Inn reservations past the May 18-22
period, a limited number of rooms may be available at the reunion rate. Call,
e-mail or write Jared Cameron with your extension requests and he will do
his best to make your wishes come true...but no guarantees.
Location
The hotel is located in Arlington, VA, which was part of the District of
Columbia until the Civil War, and is closer to D.C. attractions than many
locations actually in the city. It’s a stone’s throw from Washington’s excellent
Metro, which stops at all major tourist and shopping locations and a brisk
walk to the Georgetown shopping and entertainment district.
2011 Pyro Reunion
Checklist

Book your room at the
Holiday Inn Rosslyn by
calling the hotel direct at
703/807-2000. Be sure to
mention the ‘USS Pyro
Reunion.’ The room rate
is $89+tax /night and may
be extended (see note).

Join the Intercontinental
Priority Club to get free
breakfast,
etc.
at:
www.priorityclub.com

Register and book your
tours/activities using the
form on the next page.

If
you’re
flying
to
Washington, make your
reservations early to get
the best rate. (Washington
airport information is in
the left column.)

Come and have a great
reunion!
Winter 2010-11
Page 9
FIRST CLASS MAIL
USS PYRO Scuttlebutt
Address Correction Requested
Forwarding and Return Mail Guaranteed
USS PYRO ASSOCIATION
Douglas Wisher, secretary
1022 Winding Way
Covington, KY 41011
Email:
wisherdj@fuse.net
*** THE PRIDE AND TRADITION FOREVER
***
We’re on the Web:
www.usspyro.com
Request permission to
come onboard!
USS PYRO AE-1 & AE-24 ASSOCIATION
Membership Application
Name:_______________________________________ Date of Birth:________________
Address:______________________________________ City: ______________________
State: _______________ Zip Code: _____________ Telephone: ___________________
Spouse’s Name: ______________________ E-mail address:_______________ ________
Rate/rank(s) aboard Pyro: ____________________ Highest USN rate/rank: ___ _______
Association dues
Annual:
Lifetime membership
Age 50 or under
51 ~ 55
56 ~ 60
61 ~ 65
66 ~ 70
71 ~ 75
76 ~81
82 PLUS
$ 20
$250
$200
$175
$150
$125
$100
$ 50
$ 25
Dates aboard USS PYRO (AE1 or AE 24) _________to ___________Retired USN?
arated under honorable conditions? Yes____ No ___
Sep-
To join: Send this completed application and a check payable to the USS PYRO Association for either annual dues or the lifetime membership amount appropriate for your age
to:
Bill Hogan, Treasurer
PO Box 40
Farmville, VA 23901
12/20/2010
USS PYRO Association
Educational Scholarship Program Guidelines
Section 1: Establishment
The USS PYRO Association, (hereinafter known as the Association) has enacted the
Educational Scholarship Program.
It is funded by monies raised through the
Association's Educational Scholarship Committee and other Association members
from contributions, gifts, bequests, Association grants, and other sources. Assets of
the Educational Scholarship Fund shall be held separately by the Association
Treasurer and shall not be co-mingled with other Association funds. Withdrawals
will be limited to awards.
Section 2: Eligibility
Applicants must be accepted or enrolled as full-time undergraduate students at an
accredited college or university. Furthermore, their father, mother, grandfather,
grandmother, great grandfather, or great grandmother has been a member of the
USS PYRO Association for at least one year prior to the award of the scholarship.
The Educational Scholarship Committee may make an exception to the one-year
requirement upon written appeal by the applicant. Previous recipients of USS PYRO
Association Educational Scholarships are not eligible
Section 3: Educational Scholarship Committee
This Committee shall be responsible for raising funds for the scholarships with the
help of the full membership of the Association, depositing such funds with the
Association Treasurer, tracking the fund balance for awards, publicizing the
Educational Scholarship Program to seek candidates, arranging for presentation of
the
scholarships,
and
performing
other
functions
appropriate
for
such
an
administrative body. Scholarship Fund contributions will not be tax-deductible. The
Committee will be composed of no fewer than three members appointed by the
Association President for terms of one year, beginning July 1 each year.
Section 4: USS PYRO Association Educational Scholarship Program
Award Selection Process
The Educational Scholarship Committee shall be responsible to review all submitted
applications and prepare a list of qualified candidates for the annual scholarship by
April 30 or two weeks prior to the Association's annual meeting, whichever is
earlier. If a Committee member has a submitting relative, he or she shall be
excused from the actual review process.
The Committee will present the names of the qualified finalists and their Association
relative during the Association's annual business meeting.
The Committee will prepare the finalists' names and conduct a raffle by randomly
drawing the winning name(s) from a hat during the Association's annual awards
dinner. The lottery winner(s') applications including academic achievements and
their Association relative's history aboard USS PYRO will be read and included in the
next Scuttlebutt newsletter. Any financial data provided by the candidates will be
reviewed only by this Committee and will be held confidential.
Section 5: Payment of Scholarships
Payment of Educational Scholarship Program Award(s) will be made directly to the
student's educational institution for crediting to the student's account during the
Association's annual meeting.
Section 6: USS PYRO Association Approval
Scholarship regulations and policies shall be approved by a majority of the
Association's
three
elected
officers
and
publicized
to
the
full
Association
membership for comment. These officers may change or amend the regulations, as
deemed necessary. Based on scholarship award approvals established during the
2010 Association Annual Business Meeting, beginning in 2011 each scholarship
award will be $1,000.00 and two awards will be made providing that sufficient
funds have been raised by April 30, 2011 from the informally pledged funds; and at
least two qualified candidates have submitted applications.
2
3/26/11
USS PYRO Association
Educational Scholarship Program
Application Process
After carefully reviewing the enclosed Educational Scholarship
Program Guidelines, please submit the following information on the
forms provided or on 8-1/2” x 11” size paper. Make certain that your
name or signature is on all attached sheets.
Include the following:
•
Completed the two-page Application
•
Current Official Grade Transcript or, if not currently enrolled, most
recent transcript. Photocopies are acceptable.
Applicants will agree to be interviewed electronically or by telephone, if requested
by the Scholarship Committee.
The completed Application Package and grade transcript if mailed separately must
be received by April 10, 2011. Photocopies should be used wherever necessary,
since application packages will not be returned. All applicants will be notified when
the candidate selection is announced.
Please mail all materials (except grade transcript, where necessary) in one
package, unfolded and unstapled, in a 9” x 12” (or larger) envelope to:
John Wichtrich
6828 Wimberly Rd.
Willow Spring, NC 27592
USS PYRO Association
Date
Dear USS PYRO Association Member,
Enclosed please find the guidelines, application procedures and application
forms for our initial annual Educational Scholarship Program Awards of $1,000.
Please direct this material to a member of the family who you believe
qualifies.
Many thanks for your support and contributions to fostering this educational
effort.
Sincerely,
John Wichtrich
6828 Wimberly Rd.
Willow Spring, NC 27592
John.Wichtrich@slli.net
919-639-5253
3/26/11
USS PYRO Association
Educational Scholarship Program
Application
Page 1 of 2
Name _______________________________________________________________
Social Security Number _______________________ Birth Date _________________
Home Address _________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Home Telephone ___________________ Cell Phone __________________________
Home E-mail ___________________________________________________________
USS PYRO Relative ______________________________ Relationship ____________
Relative's USS PYRO Duty Period _____________ Rating ______________________
Relative's History Aboard USS PYRO _______________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
I am currently a High School Senior Attending:
School ________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
School Telephone _____________________________ GPA _____________________
Advisor/Counselor ______________________________________________________
Accepted & Enrolled College/University _____________________________________
I am currently a College Student attending:
College/University ________________________________ Class Year ____________
Address ______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Personal School Address _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
School Telephone Number _________________ School E-mail __________________
Current Major ________________________________ GPA _____________________
USS PYRO Association
Educational Scholarship Program
Application
Page 2 of 2
If necessary, use additional 8-½" x 11" paper to provide all
appropriate information.
Scholastic Honors/Awards:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Extracurricular Activities:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Work Experience:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Financial Considerations
Please clarify on a separate sheet, any unique or special circumstances that
you or your family believes will impact your ability to meet your college
expenses. This information will be kept strictly confidential and will be
reviewed and considered only by the Award Committee in their selection of
the final candidate.
I verify that all the provided information is accurate.
Signature _________________________________Date _____________